Member Spotlight: Svetlana Katz
Meet CMC member and photographer Svetlana Katz! Learn how she got her start in photography, get insight into her puddlegram series, and discover her inspirations like Bill Branft and Gary Winogrand.
Tell us a little about yourself, and how you got your start in photography.
I have always been a visual person. I studied visual perception and attention in college, and I am acutely aware that we each have a unique way of seeing things and finding meaning in what we see. Living in a frenetic city, I am often moved to record certain scenes that happen to capture my attention, and these photos represent reflections of my personal perspective, and allow me to share my sliver of the world.
We love your puddlegram series. What drew you to start photographing reflections in puddles?
Like so many photographers, I am entranced by reflections. Living in NYC, where the cityscape is familiar to people everywhere, I became interested in capturing it in a way that may be less familiar. I realized that puddles provide that twist, as well as allowing an extra layer of texture. And I became obsessed with capturing not just the stillness of the architecture, but the movement of people (and sometimes animals), as well as detritus of city life.
Are there any photographers that inspire you? If so, who, and why?
I am inspired by Bill Brandt, and the way shadow and light play such a role in the stories he tells with his photos. I love the energy and intimacy of Gary Winogrand’s street photos. I am drawn to William Eggleston’s extraordinary perspective on ordinary places and things.
Share with us a series of 3-5 of favorite photos you’ve taken. Why are these your favorite? (photos in order of description)
This was one of the first puddle photos I took - I think it is very New York - ESB, water tower, spring flowers, traffic lights, older architecture, and a figure hurrying off somewhere. 2. I don’t only photograph puddles in NYC. Here is a very Las Vegas puddle. 3. I was excited to be able to capture the energy of the birds in this one. 4. I am a sucker for cobblestones. Lots of texture in this one.
